Published: January 2023

Updated: February 2025

Understanding DNS Records (AxiomHost 2023 Guide for Nigeria, US & UK Users)

Introduction

DNS (Domain Name System) is the technology that helps convert human-readable domains like example.com into computer-friendly IP addresses. Without DNS, the internet simply wouldn’t work.

Whether you’re hosting a business website in Nigeria, running an e-commerce brand in the US, or managing a global platform from the UK, understanding DNS records is essential for managing your domain effectively.

This guide breaks down every important DNS record, how it works, why it matters, and how to configure it on AxiomHost Cloud.

1. What Is DNS?

DNS is like the “phonebook of the internet.”

When someone enters your domain into a browser:

1. DNS looks up your domain

2. Finds the correct server

3. Loads your website or email

Without correct DNS settings, your website may:

• Fail to load

• Show “server not found”

• Display the wrong website

• Break email delivery

2. The Most Important DNS Records Explained

Below is a full breakdown of the DNS records you will actually use.

A Record (Address Record)

Purpose: Points your domain to an IP address (IPv4).
Example:

Used for:

• Website hosting

• Custom platforms

• VPS hosting

• Dedicated server pointing

AAAA Record

Same as A record but for IPv6.

Use only if your server supports IPv6.

CNAME Record (Alias)

Maps one domain to another.

Used for:

• Making www point to non-www

• Subdomains pointing to external services

• CDN routing (Cloudflare, BunnyCDN, etc.)

MX Records (Mail Exchange)

Used for email delivery.

Examples of popular MX setups:

• Google Workspace

• Microsoft 365

• Zoho Mail

• AxiomHost Email Hosting

Correct MX setup is REQUIRED for emails to work.

TXT Records

Used for:

• Domain verification

• Email security

• SPF, DKIM, DMARC

• Google Search Console

• Stripe, Paystack verification

• Cloudflare setup

Example SPF:

NS Records (Nameservers)

Defines which DNS server controls your domain.

Example (AxiomHost defaults):

We covered this fully in Article 3.

SRV Records

Advanced records for services like:

• VoIP

• Discord

• Office 365

• Minecraft servers

Example:

CAA Records (Certificate Authority Authorization)

Controls which CA can issue SSL certificates.

To allow all providers:

Highly recommended for security.

3. Where to Manage DNS on AxiomHost

You can manage DNS through:

✔ cPanel → Zone Editor

For shared hosting & WordPress hosting.

✔ WHM → DNS Zone Manager

For VPS & reseller accounts.

✔ AxiomHost Client Area → DNS Management

When using AxiomHost nameservers.

4. Common DNS Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

❌ Using BOTH A and CNAME for the same subdomain

✔ Use only one.

❌ Wrong MX priority

✔ Lowest number has highest priority.

❌ Multiple SPF records

✔ Combine them into ONE record.

❌ Editing DNS while using Cloudflare

✔ Make changes inside Cloudflare, NOT cPanel.

❌ Wrong nameservers

✔ Always confirm your AxiomHost plan’s correct NS values.

5. DNS Propagation Time

Any DNS change takes time to update globally.

⏳ Typical propagation:

10 minutes → 3 hours

⏳ Maximum propagation:

24–48 hours

Use these tools to test DNS:

• https://dnschecker.org

https://whatsmydns.net

6. When to Contact AxiomHost Support

Reach out if:

• Your website isn’t loading after DNS changes

• Email isn’t working

• Your domain won’t point to your hosting

• You’re migrating from another provider

• You need help setting up SPF/DKIM/DMARC

AxiomHost’s support team can verify your DNS zone and fix errors quickly.

Conclusion

Understanding DNS is essential for managing any website professionally. With AxiomHost’s optimized DNS infrastructure, you get:

• Faster load speeds

• Higher SEO ranking

• Reliable email delivery

• Global network performance

Whether you're in Nigeria, the US, the UK, or anywhere in the world, AxiomHost provides a powerful and user-friendly DNS platform for both beginners and advanced users.